Places of refuge and the role of SOSREP Hugh Shaw Secretary of State s Representative (SOSREP), Maritime & Coastguard Agency
Places of Refuge and the role of the UK SOSREP
SEA EMPRESS 1996 72,000 tonnes oil spilled
TORREY CANYON BRAER
Lord Donaldson 1999 Involvement of Ministers in Operational decisions is not a practicable option ***** There should be ultimate control of salvage by a Secretary of State s Representative acting in the overriding public interest SOSREP
Role of the SOSREP To represent the Secretaries of State for Transport and Department for Energy and Climate Change by removing or reducing the risk to persons, property and the UK environment arising from accidents involving ships, fixed or floating platforms or sub-sea infrastructure within UK waters, within the remainder of the UK Pollution Control Zone (UK PCZ) and on the UK Continental Shelf.
The SOSREP Function One person to act as representative of Secretary of State (s) Free to act without recourse to higher authority Ultimate & Decisive voice Can exercise Ultimate control Cannot choose to ignore a situation Tacitly approves all actions Whilst operations are in progress - Must be Backed or sacked
SOSREP Responsibilities Monitor incident where is / or potential for risk to safety and/or risk of significant pollution at sea / within port jurisdictions Approve salvage / recovery plans where applicable UK competent authority for places of refuge Ensure all actions taken or being proposed are in interest of UK PLC Intervene where necessary
Post 1999 UK Notable Incidents
MSC NAPOLI Jan 2007
French SRR Drifting ship 3500 tonnes HFO as bunkers 2300 containers (150+ potentially DGs) Unlikely to survive further prolonged exposure to the severe weather conditions UK agreed to accept ship in UK waters
Hydrocarbon Transfer
Cargo Transfer
Completed July 2009 after 924 days!
LT CORTESIA Jan 2008
MV RIVERDANCE Jan 2008
Wreck removal completed November 2008
ICE PRINCE Jan 2008
YEOMAN BONTRUP Jul 2010
SHELL GANNET PIPELINE Oil Release August 2011
CNR BANFF FPSO Storm Damaged December 2011
TOTAL Elgin Loss Well Control March 2012
MSC FLAMINIA Fire/Explosion July 2012
Initial Challenges SAR Cargo position IMDG units and status Bunkers Establish damage and structural integrity Ascertain Owners, Salvors and Charterers future intentions
UK Response Preliminary meeting with key stakeholders SOSREP assumed lead when casualty entered PCZ and salvor requested a place of refuge Formal request from SOSREP to MCA to carry out analysis and identify potential ports and anchorages Shortlist of 3 anchorages final decision to be taken following Inspection Team expert analysis
Comparisons with MSC NAPOLI
MSC FLAMINIA Risk Human Health 75, 590 GT 4808 TEU / 2876 units 151 IMDG 1000T HFO + 650 LS MSC NAPOLI Risk significant pollution 53, 409 GT 2300 units 150 IMDG 3500T HFO
What has mixed with what and what resulting compounds have been created. What has been combusted fully and partly incomplete combustion of e.g. pcb s can generate dioxins. Composition of the fumes generated though combustion. Possibility of re-ignition. State of remaining containers.
Jade Weser Port, Germany Sep 2012
Future Challenges 18,000 TEU ships now reality and likely to be carrying 1000-1800 IMDG TEUs; Mixed message from salvage industry regarding their capability to deal with this size incident; Fewer ports with ability to handle this size and container ports generally unsuitable option; Need for increased communication and co-operation between different stakeholders including shipowners, insurers, classification societies, ports and other relevant authorities and contractors; Need for openness, trust and transparency between all parties during incidents. Threat that insurance underwriters may limit liabilities for wreck removal if so is there potential for greater delays with Coastal States re places of refuge?
Thank You for your time. Any Questions? hugh.shaw@mcga.gov.uk
Places of refuge and the role of SOSREP Hugh Shaw Secretary of State s Representative (SOSREP), Maritime & Coastguard Agency